The Hidden Toxins in Wrinkle Release Sprays

What Is Wrinkle Release Spray?

Wrinkle release spray is a liquid product designed to relax fabric fibers and release wrinkles without heat. You spray it lightly onto wrinkled clothing, smooth the fabric with your hands, and let it air dry. Just like that—wrinkles are gone. Wrinkle release spray works by temporarily softening fibers, allowing wrinkles to disappear naturally.

This magical quick fix is perfect for travel, busy mornings, or delicate fabrics that can't handle the heat of an iron. When formulated with non-toxic ingredients, wrinkle release sprays can be genuinely helpful. The problem? Most conventional options rely on harsh chemicals to get the job done.

For more on how wrinkle release spray works and when to use it, check out our post: Your Ultimate Guide to Wrinkle Releaser Spray.

The Hidden Chemicals in Conventional Wrinkle Release Sprays

Many wrinkle-release sprays on the market contain a combination of toxins that can irritate the skin, trigger allergies, and harm the environment. Here’s a breakdown of three of the most concerning ingredients commonly found in wrinkle release sprays.

1. Benzisothiazolinone (BIT)

Benzisothiazolinone is a synthetic preservative used in cleaning products, laundry detergents, and wrinkle sprays to prevent bacterial and fungal growth. It's effective at extending shelf life—but it comes with serious health concerns.

BIT is classified as a skin and eye irritant that can cause allergic contact dermatitis and skin sensitization. What makes this particularly problematic is that once someone becomes sensitized to BIT, even very low concentrations can trigger allergic reactions.

The European Union's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety found that BIT's "sensitising potential is of concern" and noted that consumers have been exposed to this chemical before safe levels were established. In fact, because of these concerns, BIT has been banned from cosmetics in the EU and Switzerland.

So when you spray a wrinkle releaser containing BIT onto your shirt, you're putting this chemical directly against your skin all day long. For those with sensitive skin or existing allergies, this can lead to rashes, itching, and irritation.

2. Silicones

Silicones are also a popular wrinkle release spray additive. These synthetic polymers coat fabric fibers to create a slippery, smooth surface that resists wrinkles and reduces static.

While silicones make your clothes feel softer temporarily, they create a waxy buildup on fabrics over time. This coating can reduce fabric breathability, trap odors, and make clothes harder to clean. Silicones are also non-biodegradable, meaning they persist in the environment long after they wash down your drain.

If you've ever noticed that clothes treated with fabric softener or wrinkle spray start to feel stiff, greasy, or develop an odd texture after repeated use, silicone buildup is likely the culprit.

3. "Fragrance"

When you see the word "fragrance" on an ingredient label, it's not just one ingredient—it's a proprietary blend that can include dozens or even hundreds of undisclosed chemicals. 

Companies aren't required to disclose what's in their fragrance formulas, which means you have no way of knowing what you're actually spraying onto your clothes.

Fragrance mixes can contain phthalates, harsh musks, and other chemicals that may cause allergies, skin irritation, breathing difficulties, and potential reproductive harm. Some toxic fragrance chemicals accumulate in the body over time, and research shows scented laundry products can cause health problems when vented outdoors, especially for people with asthma or chemical sensitivities.

If you're sensitive to scents, conventional wrinkle sprays can trigger headaches, respiratory irritation, or allergic reactions—even if you're just in the same room when someone else uses them.